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General Discussion / Newbie: And I'd like some advice (Thanks in advance!!)

« on: March 01, 2011, 10:38:00 pm »

(Please read my recent "about me" post.) 

My wife and I are planning a trip from Phoenix to the East Coast, spending a lot of time reuniting with friends and family there.  While on the East Coast, we will also take a several week trip to Europe.  We're interested in making the U.S. portion of the trip in our own RV, because we are taking our 'special needs' pup with us (he will stay with friends while we're traveling abroad), and because we want to stop at several sites along the trip to visit.  Our only experience with RVing is with our friends who have a huge Class A motor coach.  It's very nice, but is like traveling on an expensive Greyhound.  I'm a bit intimidated with that size RV.

After exploring the rental costs of an RV for our trip (North of $6,000 for rental and mileage fees), we thought it might make more sense to buy a used RV that suits our needs for the trip.  We figured, even if we did not like the experience, we would lose less than the rental/mileage fee cost if we bought an RV, then sold it off after our trip.  (My bet is that once we're done, we're going to really like the experience and will want to do more exploring!).  At any rate, what do any of you think about this idea? 

That's question number one.

Here are a few more thoughts/questions:

There are just the two of us, and our dog.  What is the best PC floor layout in your mind for us?  (We do not expect or want additional travelers.)

We like the Phoenix Cruiser because it's the right size, and has a ton of Class A upgrades for such a small chassis.  But to get a PC with a queen size bed you can walk around means at least a 29 footer, right?   Or are there other options we need to look for?

We're also looking at a short timeframe to buy - our trip starts in late April.  What are our options, given that relatively short timeframe?

I'm sure I've forgotten several questions, and missed many more.  If you've thought of them (and the answers too!) please send them along.  Any help is VERY appreciated!!!

Gordon and Margot
 

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General Discussion / Re: Introduce Yourself!

« on: February 28, 2011, 07:25:40 pm »

My wife and I have been considering an RV now that we're (mostly) retired.  We'd like to travel the U.S., and be able to take our dog with us.  He's a "special needs" pup who would be happier with us rather than friends or family while we travel. 

We were avid campers when we were in our 20s and 30s, hauling our gear in the back of a big red Dodge pickup.  As we've gotten older, we like the idea of a self contained unit with indoor plumbing, etc.  Our only experience is with our friend's A-Class motor coach.  It's a beauty, but after traveling across the U.S. with my friend, I changed my mind about having something that size.  It also seemed our friends were always fixing something they had broken, for thousands of dollars.  It was an expensive land yacht I really didn't want to invest my time in.

Once we retired and moved to our new home, one of our new neighbors had a Phoenix Cruiser that we admired.  After looking it over, talking with them, and thinking about how to tackle a 6-week trip we are planning in the near future, buying or renting a Phoenix Cruiser or something similar seemed like a good idea.  So we began to look into our options.  Running the numbers on a rental, it looked like we would be paying out over $6,000 in rental and mileage fees before we even stocked up the RV, bought gas for the trip, and other incidental expenses. 

This forum looks like just the place to ask all of you experts some of our questions, concerns, etc....

Thanks for your help in advance!